What is the primary purpose of collimation in X-ray procedures?

The primary purpose of collimation in X-ray procedures is to avoid unnecessary exposure to surrounding tissues. Collimation involves the use of a device that narrows the X-ray beam to focus only on the area of interest. By restricting the beam size, collimation minimizes the exposure of adjacent tissues to radiation, thereby reducing the overall radiation dose to the patient and enhancing safety.

In addition to protecting surrounding tissues, collimation also helps improve the quality of the radiographic image by preventing scatter radiation, which can lead to fogging and decreased image clarity. However, the primary intention remains the reduction of unnecessary exposure, highlighting the importance of patient safety in X-ray practices.